ISLAMABAD: In an interview with a private TV channel, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has revealed that former army chief General (r) Raheel Sharif has been allowed to lead 39-nation military alliance of Muslim states.
The minister told that this step has been taken owing to a written request made by Saudi government that emphasized that the matter is not at all of personal level as two states are involved in it.
Khawaja Asif added that government of Pakistan has agreed to issue No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to Raheel Sharif and a written reply has been sent to Saudi government as well.
Defence minister said that the structure of military alliance is yet to be made and Raheel will lay its foundation himself after taking charge. Khawaja Asif also disclosed that advisory committee session of 39-nation military alliance of Muslim states may be held in May.
On the other hand, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry has announced to take the matter of issuing NOC to Raheel Sharif to parliament.
Fawad Chaudhry has demanded that members of parliament should be taken in confidence regarding this issue by conducting a debate as parliament had earlier decided that this is a policy decision, not Raheel Sharif’s personal one.
Furthermore, the spokesperson said that parliament had also announced not to be a part of any controversy of Middle East, therefore, its permission in this matter is mandatory.
